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CML and Fertility?

I have been contacted by Cancer World magazine who are running a story on issues with cancer diagnosis and fertility.

I know there are an increasing number of women and men who have overcome the challenge of starting a family whilst coping with the diagnosis of CML and long term TKI therapy, or are currently struggling with the issues.
If any of you would be interested in talking to the person who is writing the article then please let me know and I will pass your contact details on.
You can contact me either here on this forum or send an email to cmlsupportgroup@gmail.com

Thanks,

Sandy

I would like to know of any men that are on Dasatanib and have started a family.

We were in the process of starting one and then was diagnosed with CML.

I am on the Dasatanib trial.

Would like to hear of some stories.

Thanks

Carlos

Hi Sandy,

I am now 39 weeks pregnant and was on Glivec prior to becoming pregnant. I would like the opportunity to talk to the person writing the article. Let me know what details you require from me.
Thanks.
Martha

Hi all,

I would be really interested in speaking to someone who has first hand experience with pregnancy in addition to reading the article once published. I am 30 in Dec and newly diagnosed (Sep 09) which has managed to scupper any short term plans on us starting a family.

Any advice and words of encouragement would be appreciated.

Thanks

Michelle

I will forward you the contact details of Peter who is writing the article for CancerWorld Magazine (this mag is produced in Europe and funded by the European School of Oncology. It is a very respected magazine... you can find a link on the links page.
I am sure your experience will help a lot of people :o)
Thanks for volunteering
Sandy

Dear Michele,
If you would be interested to talk about your feeling and contribute to this article let me know and I will put you in touch with Peter.

Meanwhile, there are quite a few women who have managed their cml and had babies... all is not lost ;o)
Sandy

Hi Carlos........... I am sure the writer would be interested in your experience.. see quote from him below

"I am more interested....... in the human stories - the desire
to have children is still strong in younger people who receive a diagnosis of cancer, perhaps in some ways even stronger, because their own mortality has been called into question at a young age. I would also like to ensure that this article covers men as well as women."

If you are interested to talk with him please let me know and I will pass on your details,

There are quite a few men who have fathered children whilst being treated with imatinib.. I am not sure about dasatinib... as it seems that the risks with TKI's is for the foetus after conception in the first trimester rather than men's sperm

Sandy

Hi Sandy,

Yes I would be happy to contribute, my email is pesty at hotmail.co.uk.

Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Michelle

Hi Sandy,

Although I haven't posted on here for a long time I always read the messages and keep up to date with everything that's going on.

It's almost 4 years now since my transplant, thankfully I've remained in complete molecular remission ever since.

Beacuse of infertility caused by my transplant my partner and I will be starting the ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) procedure privately in the new year to hopefully have a second child. We have got our first consultation Wednesday. Unfortunately we have to go private as the primary care trust will not fund fertility treatment because we already have a child.

I'm not sure if this is they type of thing your looking for as I'm no longer receiving any treatment. If I can help in any way please let me know.

Regards,
Martyn

dear Martyn,
Good to hear from you and that you are doing well. Good luck with the ICSI consultation today. It is unfortunate that you have to pay. I know how strong the desire to have a child is, no matter whether it is your first or second or even more!

Regarding the CancerWorld article. The author told me that he had enough responses for his article and also the deadline was quite tight. Thanks for your willingness to share your story.

Sandy

Hi Martyn
You probably aren't aware that you are a sort of 'beacon' for me! You might remember Rio, who went thru a BMT last year when he was 14 - you contributed to his guest book. He is doing very well although needs DLI, which he has found very hard to accept and then refused all treatment throughout the summer. Back on track a bit more now, but we have all been knocked sideways by sad news concerning others who had BMTs at the same time as Rio. (NOT for CML I must add, but for other leukaemias and so their bodies had already been weakened by courses of chemo etc before having BMTs.)

I'm holding tight to the knowledge that you are out there leading a 'normal' life - and obviously looking very much to the future. Those words 'no longer receiving any treatment' sound magical!

I wish you well with the ICSI procedure and will be thinking of you.

kestrel

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. The appointment went well and it is ICSI we'll be going for in the new year as expected with a 30% chance of success, so fingers crossed!

Yes I remeber Rio well Kestrel. I hope his DLI(s) go well. Please say hello and wish him all the best from me.

I was in the same situation, getting friendly with others that weren't so fortunate as me which was really hard to deal with. One of those people was a man in his 50's who also had CML and was friends with my Dad, he also lived in the same town as us which was upsetting.

Martyn

Thanks Martyn.
Take care,
kestrel